Posted on 10/08/2005 7:33:57 AM PDT by RobFromGa
October 8, 2003 is the date that I quit drinking for good. It has been a great two years!
When I was drinking, I thought that life would be impossibly boring without alcohol. How can you enjoy parties, football games, vacations, weekends, etc without alcohol? I found out that not only is it possible to enjoy these things, that in many ways they are made better without the "buzz".
I haven't had a hangover in two years and that is a blessing.
I have occasionally had brief thoughts that I might be able to drink normally now that I have controlled myself for this length of time. But I understand myself better now. The fact that I would even consider such a question and action even for a millisecond is a sign of my lack of control over alcohol. My only sane solution is to keep it out of my body.
I urge anyone who suspects that they may have a drinking problem to find help and deal with the issue. I wish I had quit when I was 30 instead of 41.
Almost a year ago, I posted a thread on FR, If You Suspect You Might Have A Drinking Problem (An Open Letter). There might be some help there for you if you are trying to quit.
Thanks to all who have helped me to quit and to stay sober.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day."
Frank Sinatra
But if it doesn't work for you, don't do it.
Rob, I forgot to tell you that not drinking brings with it some added benefits other than the ones you have already discovered, no headache etc.. The first one is that you will ALWAYS be the designated driver. In these days of high gas prices that might not be desirable you say? BUT it enables you to follow 2 of the MAIN RULES of LIFE. The first one is 'Never give up the keys to the vehicle'. Adhering to that rule makes the 2nd rule easier to keep. The 2nd rule of life is 'to never pass up the opportunity to pee'.
I think it's good you posted this. For one thing, it can be an inspiration to some. For another thing, it brought out a few cockroaches for all to see.
I understand what you mean, and don't think there is a problem with quitting "for good", at least not for me. The finality of that decision leaves me nothing else to consider. For me, life is lived one day at a time, but meaningful goals are longer term.
Thanks for sharing your thirty+ years with us.
Congrats! Plan on making it to two years and a day.
I crunched the numbers once for my last five years, and it wasn't a pretty sight. Who knew that two could eat dinner for under $100?
thanks for stopping in...
You will as long as you keep your current attitude.
When offered a beer or a drink I simply say,
"no thanks, I've had enough to last me a lifetime"
People get a kick out of it and understand.
My best to you my friend.
I stay away from threads like those and I certainly don't waste time dropping inane opinions.
Good for you Rob, thanks for reposting that thread, I'll check it out again.
Excellent question. Something to think about. I'm sure that you could handle it, but why do it?
Tip o' the hat, and wishing you continued success.
have fun...
Congratulations Rob!! May you have many more 2-years-dry anniversaries!
I know, somebody had a gun at your head forcing you to this thread.
Congrats my FRiend, I haven't had a hangover in ten,
haven't caught a buzz in eight, quit tobacco thirty years
ago, of course I haven't had a date in ten either but that
is pure coincidence.
Noticed that after I quit pot, I didn't get bronchitis
at all, whereas before I was always getting a cough from
"being sociable".
Good luck to you, the secret is to NEVER backslide.
tet68, it's been months since my last Mosin/Nagant too.
Good on you, Rob. God Bless.
Most of us who drank excessively were at least sometimes "cockroaches" so I will reserve judgement. There are many types of human weakness and none of us is free of them.
Again, I am NOT in a fight for temperance and prohibition for everyone, just trying to throw a lifeline to someone who is drowning.
Thanks, I just wrote it on my Calendar so I won't forget!
Congratulations Rob, keep up the good work. I didn't think I had a drinking problem 'till I totaled a three month old car. I walked away with out a scratch. That was 19 Dec 2003. Like you I looked into AA and other groups, eventually found Rational Recovery. I read their stuff, it made sense. I quit and have never had a problem.
AA and most "support groups" set you up to fail 'cuz they are "there for you" when you relapse. That mind set presupposes that you are going to fail. RR on the other hand says, "make up your mind", if you want to quit, quit. Done and over in "one step".
Worked for me.
Best of luck in your new life.
GtG
Best to you also friend.
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